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Care of the returning veteran
Jeffrey D Quinlan1, Michael R Guaron, Bruce R Deschere
1Navy Medicine Support Command, Jacksonville, Florida, USA.
American Family Physician
|July 2, 2010
Summary
Military veterans returning from combat often experience predictable health issues like mild traumatic brain injury (concussion) and posttraumatic stress disorder. Family physicians play a key role in screening and managing these conditions for returning service members.
Area of Science:
- Military Medicine
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Millions of U.S. military veterans have served in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
- Returning combat veterans face predictable injuries and illnesses, including blast injuries.
- Mild traumatic brain injury (concussion) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are prevalent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To inform family physicians about the common health concerns of returning combat veterans.
- To highlight the overlap and concurrent presentation of mild traumatic brain injury and PTSD symptoms.
- To emphasize the role of family physicians in screening and managing these conditions.
Main Methods:
- Review of common combat-related injuries and illnesses in veterans.
- Discussion of symptom overlap between mild traumatic brain injury and posttraumatic stress disorder.
- Guidance on screening for mental health conditions and substance abuse.
Main Results:
- Blast injuries commonly result in mild traumatic brain injury (concussion).
- Posttraumatic stress disorder occurs at higher rates in veterans compared to the general population.
- Symptoms of mild traumatic brain injury and PTSD often overlap and can occur together.
Conclusions:
- Family physicians must be aware of post-war health issues affecting veterans.
- Screening for PTSD, substance abuse, suicidality, and depression is crucial for returning service members.
- Family physicians can provide continuity of care and coordinate specialized services for veterans.
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